Resource planning is the core of discrete manufacturing software and process manufacturing software. It supports the effective planning of manufacturing activities based on materials, labor, and machinery and often includes "real-time" and "what-if" scenario planning. Discrete manufacturers should visit our aerospace, apparel, and job shop guides.

MES sits between master production systems (e.g. MRP) and the actual production floor activities and control systems to account for production bottlenecks and constraints in real-time. Given strict quality requirements, MES is especially important to the food processing, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Visit our web-based systems guide for Software as a Service or hosted solutions.

Accounting software records and processes accounting transactions within functional modules such as the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset tracking. Most systems often include extended modules - often for specific industries and modes (e.g. engineer to order software) - such as sales order entry, inventory control and job costing. 

PLM systems manage all data relating to the designing, producing, supporting and disposing of manufactured goods. May include design automation software, bill of materials data and document management.

SCM systems support the planning and execution of supply chain transactions to optimally meet customer demand and reduce inventory and costs from raw materials procurement to manufacturing and delivery. Supply chain software is available as a stand alone system or can be purchased as part of an integrated ERP software system.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) supports the transacting and analysis of materials and services from vendors with a goal to realize economies of scale, procure at lower costs and enforce procurement policies in manufacturing.

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), aka Maintenance, Repair and Operation/Overhaul (MRO), is used by capital asset-intensive organizations to manage the maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment and machinery.

Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) support the data entry, information tracking, and payroll needs of the human resources functions within a manufacturing business. HRMS has evolved to include applicant tracking, training and performance management.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) automates manufacturing business processes related to interactions with customers. For example, sales, marketing, support, field service and channel partner management.

BI software tools report, analyze and present data to support manufacturing business decision making. They may be extended to automate corporate planning and goal setting for a complete Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) system.